A company begins with a bench

Max Pearl, Darrell Calvin and Aaron Morris -- experienced theater guys all -- are getting ready for the launch of their new company, the Pinecrest Repertory Theatre.

The adventure begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29, when Pinecrest Rep unveils its inaugural production, a double bill of early one-acts by David Mamet (right) and Edward Albee (below). The common thread, beyond the fact that Mamet's Duck Variations and Albee's Zoo Story are the young works of great dramatists? Both plays take place on a park bench.

In Duck Variations, two elderly men talk about ducks, yes, but their conversation ranges over friendship, life and death. In Zoo Story, a middle class man and a volatile younger one meet on a bench in Central Park, with disturbing results.

Pinecrest Rep will perform in the 550-seat Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens, the former home of Parrot Jungle, at 11000 Red Rd. in Pinecrest. Tickets are just $10 -- for for students, seniors and members of the military, $8. Though the opening performance is at 4 p.m., subsequent ones are at 2 p.m. Performance dates are March 29-30, April 12-13, April 20, April 27 and May 3. Pearl directs an acting company that includes Mitchell Carrey, Brian McCormack, Steve Schlam, Gary Solomon and Skye Whitcomb.

For information, call 305-720-0811 or go to the Pinecrest Rep web site.